Buster's Mal Heart

'BUSTER'S MAL HEART': Four Stars (Out of Five)

An indie mystery about a mentally unstable mountain man, and former family man, who now survives by breaking into empty vacation homes, while he constantly warns others (on talk radio) about an upcoming 'Inversion' at the change of the millennium. It was written and directed by Sarah Adina Smith, and it stars Rami Malek (in his first starring film role), Toby Huss, Kate Lyn Sheil and DJ Qualls. The movie had it's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and it's received mostly positive reviews from critics. I found it to be bizarrely interesting, and for the most part pretty well made, but it also left things just a little too unexplained for my tastes.

The film opens with a mountain man, Buster (Malek), desperately trying to escape the authorities that are chasing him. He makes it to the top of a mountain, where the film then flashes back to his past as a family man, with a wife (Sheil) and daughter (Sukha Belle Potter). He also recollects on his time breaking into empty vacation homes, and calling into radio shows ranting about an upcoming 'Inversion' (at the turn of the millennium). Buster also has multiple visions of being lost at sea. As a viewer we have to interpret what's real, what isn't, and when and where it's all taking place.

The film is definitely bizarre and interesting, and I was always curious of where it was leading to. I think the acting is good in the film (especially Malek in the lead) and Smith is obviously a very talented filmmaker. I was just hoping for a little more from the conclusion. I don't need everything explained to me in a film, but I don't like everything to be left a question mark either. I'm sure some viewers will think they understand it, but I think most of the film is entirely left up to individual interpretation. If you like that type of movie you'll probably love it, I'm not a huge fan of the genre though.

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After a first watch, it's difficult to characterise or rate this movie. Certainly intriguing and engaging, the viewing experience is mind-bending. The atmosphere is a weird mix of claustrophobia, psychedelia and human drama. The movie explores ideas around sanity, reality, imprisonment and the quest for freedom. It comes over as sensitive and real on a human level, alternately touching, tragic, funny, sad, depressing, chilling, and strangely inspiring. The main character gives a brilliant portrayal of an altered state of consciousness. The meaning and story of the movie are expressed in a very unconventional way; non-linear, disorientating and confusing - which I'm sure was intentional. The experience is rather psychedelic, and there isn't quite enough logical substance to really carry the viewer to a satisfactory conclusion, but this might change with a rewatch, when the rating might go up.

Superb acting from all 3 main characters. The story just drags along. There's no real explanation of some of the events that take place. Sort of like a lower scale Lighthouse version.

One figures out soon that the main character is not right and is not at all surprised of the twist fifteen minutes prior to the film ending.

An ok movie, just lacked drive.

This film is more than just a film. It is an experience, and it has you from start to finish in its seemingly quiet way. Then it comes to you in your dreams too, in your conversations about it, and your will for others to see it too. The characters, the world, the scenarios, all bring to light a new perspective. I loved the storytelling and it's fresh, funny, and dramatic.

I often find that I am not so moved by newer films, that they aren't succeeding in providing me with new insight or actual cinema or unique stories. I have no issue with walking out and never needing to look back. This is a movie I want to see again. And I will find new revelations there.

I wish many more films would aspire to this, which succeeds in what it does.

There are definitely different ways to approach this film. It can be darkly comic, but at its core, it's a tragedy with one actor at the center of it who is ready to give it his all. Malek has become a star due to his TV series, Mr. Robot, and here he gets an opportunity to shine even further. The lead character is a tricky one, balancing different story lines and timelines and personality traits while still having to be consistent in characterization. It's not hard to see why Malek was cast here. He has such a bubbling intensity and forceful acting style that comes across natural while leaving a lasting impression, and that's exactly what he does here.